From Humble Beginnings.....

When I was ten years old, my mom (Trudy Taphorn - Tamaron Collies) entered me into Junior Handling.  I had NO idea what I was doing, but somehow managed to place 3rd in my class.  Of course, I was showing a Collie and the rest as they say was history.  Unlike the story of most Juniors, I did not attend a show every week-end or even one a month.  At the time we lived just outside of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and the local shows were the only ones we went to.  But even from an early age I LOVED dogs and simply couldn't get enough. 

It wasn't until Dad's work took us to Alberta, that mom's kennel and my passion really started to take off.  Slowly, mom started traveling further and further to more shows and somehow I begged her to come along.  I knew nothing of Junior's Clubs (if there even were any at the time), I attended no junior seminars, but I read everything I could get my hands on about dogs.  I watched ringside and soon, I was regularly placing or even winning the competitive Junior open class.  Various handlers started asking me to "help" them and soon I was off to dog shows almost every week-end.  However the rule was that my school marks couldn't suffer.  I maintained high enough school marks to land my average in the Honor's roll for both grade 11 and 12.

I apprenticed for various handlers for 6 years.  However the one who developed my passion for Poodles was Teri Taplin.  Through her guidance and expertise, I learned as much as i could about the world of Poodles, all breed handling and grooming before venturing out on my on.  Thank you Teri, for without your help, non of this would have been possible. 

I am now proud to say that Poodles and dogs as a whole are my life.  I am a full-time professional all breed handler and all breed groomer.  I groom out of my home week-days (Tuesday - Saturday) and attend dog shows on week-ends.  My travels have taken me into British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and into the Northern Sates.  I co-breed Miniature Poodles with Kathy Albrecht under the "Kandansk" prefix.  Aside from my breeding dogs, I currently have 1 token Rough Collie "Declan" and my veteran Miniature Poodle "Josh".  Both of which insist on sleeping on my bed, needless to say there's not a lot of room left!!!!!  I dabble in obedience in my free time.  Josh is a High In Trial and High Aggregate dog and Declan is still in training.

I have been blessed with many great dogs over the years.  Whether it's Winning a Best In Show, Best Puppy In Show, High In Trail or getting that last point on a championship, every high is equally thrilling as I get to share in another person's joy and help them achieve their goals and dreams.  Thank you to all of my amazing client's. Every one of you make my job worthwhile and enable me to do the thing that I truly love. 

Natasha Taphorn